‘Serious attitude problem’ almost lands man in custody 

A man with a 'serious attitude problem’ narrowly avoided being remanded in custody at Portlaoise District Court. 

Emmet Prior, 53, of Durrow Road, Ballacolla is accused of failing to provide a sample to gardai at Portlaoise Garda Station on November 19, 2017. 

David Nugent BL said his client had lived at the same address since the date of the alleged offence six years earlier. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the man was served and got his charge sheet and should have been in court. 

Garda Austin Cleere said when another garda rang the defendant to tell him he was wanted in court in Portlaoise the answer wasn’t very nice. 

“He replied not a f**king notion, I would run you over if I saw you in the street,” said Garda Cleere. 

On hearing this, Judge Cody ordered the man be remanded in custody. 

However, Mr Nugent explained that the man had a “vulnerable” partner who couldn't get around without him. 

“You heard the evidence of the phone call and attitude,” said Judge Cody. 

“I have no instructions in relation to the phonecall but the garda who made the call isn’t here either,” said Mr Nugent. 

“He has a serious attitude problem,” said Judge Cody. 

Garda Cleere offered a possible explanation. 

“During the week when we did call him he thought it was a prank,” he said. 

Mr Nugent said the defendant had taken the matter seriously as soon as he became aware of the situation. 

Judge Cody agreed to bail and adjourned the matter until July 27. 

“His attitude doesn’t do him any favours,” he added. 

“He might have thought it was a prank at the time,” said Mr Nugent.